Fewer people are claiming job seekers allowance across west London, according to new figures from the Job Centre.
Statistics released on Wednesday (May 13), show unemployment in Ealing is the lowest it has been since July 2008.
In Ealing, 5,141 people are claiming job seekers allowance, a reduction of 25% over the course of the last year, and for 18 to 24-year-olds in the borough the number of claimants has reduced by 36%, with the figure at 730.
In Hounslow, 3,195 people are currently on job seekers allowance, a reduction of 18% in the last year. The borough has recently rolled out universal credit which brings together different benefits into one - including job seekers allowance, employment support allowance, income support, housing benefits, and working tax credit.
Hillingdon has seen a 25% fall in unemployment in the last year, with 2,750 current claimants. A 34% reduction in 18 to 24-year-olds claiming benefits has also been recorded.
A 15% reduction of claimants is seen in Hammersmith & Fulham, which currently has 3,237 job seekers; Westminster has 2,784 claimants, a reduction of 22% in a year; Kensington & Chelsea has 1,787 claimants, a 19% reduction; Brent's figure stands at 5,906, reduced by 20%; and in Harrow there are 2,188 job seekers, a reduction of 24% in a year.
District operations manager for Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon Job Centre, Jonathan Harris said: "We have got more and more effective at getting people into employment at the Job Centre.
"One of the big factors is our Heathrow jobs team.
"The economy is picking up and there are more vacancies available. We have less people making those initial claims and 90% of west Londoners are happy with the service we provide."
The Minister of State for Employment Priti Patel said: "A long-term economic plan has created a better, more prosperous future for Britain with employment at an all time high and more women in work than ever before.
"In London, there are 94,000 more people in work than last year. Behind these statistics are countless stories of individual hard work and determination, of people feeling more financially secure with a regular wage.
"I want to continue to ensure our welfare reforms are giving people skills and opportunities to move into work, to give everyone in our country the chance to make the most of their lives."
